Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox finally unleash the beloved original Star Wars trilogy on DVD in this packed box set sure to heat up retailers' shelves and home systems everywhere. All three films have been remastered in their Special Edition forms and have been given a face-lift for the digital age with literally the most stunning picture and sound quality the/i>

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Overview

Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox finally unleash the beloved original Star Wars trilogy on DVD in this packed box set sure to heat up retailers' shelves and home systems everywhere. All three films have been remastered in their Special Edition forms and have been given a face-lift for the digital age with literally the most stunning picture and sound quality the films have ever seen. Colors are incredibly vivid, while the picture has never looked as sharp as it does now. Since George Lucas is a firm believer in letting artists control how the public sees their work, sadly there isn't any trace of the original versions on the new prints (so Greedo still shoots first, though it's not as jarring as the Special Edition made it out to be). Mixed with Ben Burtt's new sound mix, the overall presentation is stunning and truly does justice to the films. Extra effects have been added as well, with a new Jabba to replace the initial CG one cut into A New Hope, and yes, that is Hayden Christensen added into the end of Jedi. Released exclusively as a collection in two separate editions, this set includes the recommended widescreen versions (a full-screen set is also available) and features anamorphic transfers with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX tracks. Menu design is particularly stellar, with three optional ones chosen at random for all the movie discs that can also be chosen by entering Menu, 2, or 12 on your remote during the Warning screen. Commentaries can be found on each movie, with everyone from George Lucas and Carrie Fisher to Empire's director, Irvin Kershner, and sound designer, Ben Burtt, sounding off. Burtt actually is a joy to listen to as he takes the viewer through his process of recording these iconic sounds, though the main prize goes to Kershner, who astounds with his grasp of the characters and the film itself. If Empire is thought to be the best-made film out of the trilogy, you can bet that he's the main reason for it. Over ten hours of extras are included on the bonus disc, with newly created featurettes and archival material spanning the entire history of the original saga. The 151-minute extended cut of the documentary "Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy" is easily the most anticipated, and boy, it does not disappoint! Featuring countless interviews with cast and crew along with rare behind-the-scenes footage from the first three films, the story is told through time as Lucas battled to remain in control of the productions despite lawsuits and plenty of other obstacles that will come as quite a surprise to the casual viewer. You'll be glued to the screen, whether it's from glimpses of deleted scenes not included in the rest of the disc or just the sheer amount of mind-blowing behind-the-scenes footage (such as Peter Mayhew's voice saying Chewie lines, or how about David Prowse doing Vader's voice with a Scottish accent?). Three other featurettes make their debut in the set as well, including "The Birth of the Lightsaber," "The Characters of Star Wars," and "The Force Is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars." Each short featurette is solid, with more amazing footage from the vault, while the last one features interviews from current directors Peter Jackson, Ridley Scott, and others as they discuss how the original trilogy affected them. Also on the bonus disc is what will be audiences' first look at Episode III in "The Return of Darth Vader" preview. Packed with footage of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen as they practice the final fight in the film, the ten-minute documentary cuts between that and the step-by-step process of sculpting and fabricating the new Vader costume. Sure it's a tease, but then again, this is the same marketing game that Lucas helped create, as you can see in the wall-to-wall production print galleries and packed sections of trailers and TV ads that are included. Extreme fans shouldn't expect everything, as only three trailers are attached to each film, thereby cutting a few memorable ones out of the pack. The photo galleries are another beast, with numerous shots of deleted scenes once again making their way onto the disc, but not in their film form. Indeed, despite additional promotional features that dive into future Star Wars games and some hilarious gag reels hidden within the bonus disc, it's not hard to see that Lucasfilm is still holding some stuff back. Still, fans should be quite used to buying multiple versions of these films by now, and these discs really are something special that should more than tide them over until the rumored six-movie set coming after Episode III. While many will be disappointed that the films couldn't be released in their original theatrical versions, this set will still be a nice package that most DVD customers will have a hard time turning down.

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Tony Nigro

No one can deny the power of Star Wars -- or the "Force," for that matter. The celebrated interstellar trilogy's effects on modern cinema and pop culture are endless, and almost 25 years have bred multiple generations of fans who can give precise directions to the Cloud City at the drop of a light saber. Finally, in fact ahead of promised schedule, George Lucas brings to DVD his original landmark films -- Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi -- digging deep into the Lucasfilm vaults for extras befitting a galaxy far, far away. This box set presents the trilogy in its "special edition" versions -- updated by Lucas with new material and more polished effects in the late '90s. Even if traditionalists balk at Lucas's updating and "re-directing" of the films, the fact remains that the films are no less landmark-worthy here. A nod to 1930s serials like Flash Gordon, the Star Wars Trilogy still offers true, stirring nostalgia and excitement, even if you find the added Jabba the Hutt scene disappointing, or think that the Wampa just plain looks weird. Fans can still thrill to Mark Hamill's turn as plucky Luke Skywalker, pilot-turned-mysterious Jedi, and the rest of the mainstay cast, including heartbreaker Harrison Ford and perfect-princess Carrie Fisher. Inspiration from Hollywood westerns, Eastern culture (a Jedi is a samurai and Yoda is Buddha!), and classical mythology cannot be digitally erased, maintaining the original Star Wars Trilogy's stance as the greatest sci-fi actioner of all time.

Product Details

Release Date:

09/21/2004

UPC:

0024543123415

Rating:

PG

Source:

20th Century Fox

Region Code:

1

Presentation:

[Wide Screen]

Sound:

[THX-Supervised Mastering]

Time:

6:28:00

Special Features

Disc 1:Star Wars: A New Hope IV -- Commentary by George Lucas, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher.Disc 2:The Empire Strikes Back V -- Commentary by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher.Disc 3:Return of the Jedi VI -- Commentary by George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Ben Burtt, Dennis Muren, and Carrie Fisher.Disc 4: Extended DVD version of "Empire of Dreams," featuring an additional hour of never-before-seen footage and interviews; featurettes on "The Characters of Star Wars," "The Birth of the Lightsaber," and "The Force is With Them: The Legacy of Star Wars"; behind-the-scenes look at Episode III in "The Return of Darth Vader"; Trailer and Xbox playable demo with an entire level of the Star Wars Battlefront game, a sneak peek at the making of the Episode III video game; theatrical teasers, trailers, and TV spots from all three films; still galleries; DVD-ROM web link to exclusive content; and more.
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround, THX Certified; English subtitles.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

It's the classic Star Wars trilogy everyone loves, but it has the new modifications to it. I'll admit some of the special FX are better, but the end of Return of the Jedi features the newer Anakin Skywalker. It was an interesting surprise (sorry I ruined it), but it took from the originality.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I loved this boxed set! I don't now why everybody's dissapointed with this masterpeice, these are classic movies for crying out loud! I've read all of the reviews and the people are complaing about the upgrated special effects. The person on the first page was complaing that at the end of #6 when they show Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Anikan. Anikan's character is changed from the older version to Hayden's Anikan. Sure it was a shock to me and my brother, but if Lucas changes one little seen in the movie, it doesn't meen that you should hate Starwars! Duh! You should know why he did that because Anikan practicly died when he became Vader, the machanical part of his body basicly took over. And do you wan't to know why Obi-Wan and Yoda were left as old men? Because they died as old men! It's really a stupid way to say why you hate it.Your probly a Harry Potter lover. Anyway, this is definatly worth to spend your 60 bucks on. Plus in the Bonus disc they talk about the most anticipated event we Starwars fans have been waiting for over thirty years... the duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anikan Skywalker. And you better not complain about that either! Everybody who likes Starwars are NOT geeks!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

STOP CHANGING STAR WARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Anyone who says GL is releasing these DVDs because he is greedy is wrong, GL is releasing the DVDs because his fans have asked over and over again to put the movies on DVD; you go GL! Star Wars will never die!!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

The marketing team at LUCASFILM is undoubtably still trying to rake in some profit from the updated versions despite overwhelming public distain and outcry for the originals. Best of luck on the release of these revised versions this fall, I would predict disappointing sales that fall somewhat short of expectations promised to retailers. I am one who will wait for the release of the un-reinterpreted originals if they ever come on DVD. Sorry George.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I hate to admit this, but I will have to agree with the reviewer who was upset. If it is true that the DVDs of the Star Wars Trilogy are the Special Edition and NOT the Original versions, then I am rather upset too. I think it was a HUGE mistake adding the 'special features.' I think they really took away from the movies. I was really excited at first to hear about the DVDs being released, but if they are the Special Edition DVDs I don't think I will be buying them.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

These 'Special Editions' should never have happened. Fans around the world made the originals the most-loved movie series of all time-- How can you take the world's greatest success, which the fans love, and change it? You can't mess with a classic! Now all we're left with is DVDs of a version we don't want, because these Special Editions are not the ones we fell in love with when we saw them as kids. Such a disappointment. All we can do is cling to the 1995 THX versions on LaserDisc or VHS, which are the true classics.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

There is a growing movement of unsatisfied fans. The fact that the DVD's will not be the original movies is extremely upsetting. Please, Mr. Lucas, don't do it.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I saw Star Wars when it came out in 1977 (I was 19) and have seen it over 250 times since then. In both incarnations, and I can't say that I have a problem with either one. George Lucas has told us that he made the second version because it wasn't until much later that the technology caught up with his original vision for the movie. The first version was fantastic; the second version is equally fantastic and gives a bit more info than the first. Both are worthy of viewing, and of being on DVD. I bought the VHS versions when they first came out ($89.95 each!) and have bought every version since. All of the original three (IV, V and VI) are worth seeing, and seeing together -- I can't wait until I, II and III are also in that huge set -- and I'll buy them in every version George wants to put out!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I have seen the original versions of these movies hundreds of times. I also went to see the 'special' editions when they were rereleased in the the theater. I do not believe that they were changed nearly as much as some reviewers claim. Yes, some special effects were added, and the scene of Jabba the Hut in Star Wars was unnecessary, but, did it really ruin the movie? I don't think so. The second biggest change I can think of is when they changed the ending music for Return of the Jedi and added in the extra song at Jabba's palace. The palace scene didn't add to the movie, but replacing that damn obnoxious ewok song at the end was an improvement. The ewoks were the most annoying characters in the original trilogy and succeeded only in helping to make Return the campiest and silliest of the originals. but for the most part, the movies are the same. Sorry if I can't get nostalgic for grainy footage and speeders that 'fly' only because Lucas smudged the film under them, I still enjoyed the movies just fine, except those stupid ewoks. Oh, and I will admit, Lucas is definitely driven only by greed at this point, the prequels are inferior, and the originals should have been available on DVD 6 years ago.

MidnightTracks-net

More than 1 year ago

This set is NOT the original Star Wars series released into theaters from 1977 to 1983. A really hot gift idea for fans of the saga and for those unfamiliar with the origin of this science fiction great.
If you are waiting to catch Star Wars The Force Awakens at the movies, there is a brand new music editorial excerpt from a larger presentation currently in production.
The entire set is seven pieces plus a movie (film) review for the newest Star Wars chapter from Lucasfilm and Disney starring our most popular science fiction heroes Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, The Jedi Masters and The Dark Side of the Force plus bad and OK Imperial Storm Troopers and Rebel Fighters.
http://citadelcg.midnighttracks.net/star-wars
You can enjoy the entire presentation in large format HQ/IMAX/HD at http://midnighttracks.net/2015/star-wars
Make sure you use an audio headset when viewing because this is a MUSIC editorial presentation using press clips/footage for the montage.
You can post comments at
http://citadelcg.midnighttracks.net/blog
just be sure you follow the instructions in the account activation message when you register for the Citadel/West Coast Midnight Run blog.
Follow the fun stuff at Twitter (@WestCoastMdnitR).
http://twitter.com/westcoastmdnitr
Happy Holidays!

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trekfanJW

More than 1 year ago

star wars is the best motion picture trilogy besides star trek.

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TheHalfBloodPrince

More than 1 year ago

amazing from the very begining to the very end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!